Windows 10: Unable to remove file icon, on desktop.

**CAUTION THIS PERSON IS NOT THE BEST AT SPELLING OR GRAMMAR**
Okay so I have a file on my desktop and can not remove it.
I have already tried the general ways to remove it.. like dragging it
to the recycle bin and right clicking the file and selecting delete.
I have also refreshed my desktop icon cache and some other minor stuff.
Still this stubborn icon shows it's ugly face on my desktop.
Please help; as I'm MEGA OCD about my desktop and the icons placed on it.
I have been this way since windows 98!
The screenshots below, will explain more.
Attachment 108298Attachment 108299

Thanks In Advance for any help!


:)

 

cant delete desktop icons

deleted desktop files still showing icons, unable to remove them

 

Notepad, Windows 10, info lost

The desktop icon was the file itself - not a shortcut to it. The toolbar icon was a shortcut to the file you created on the desktop.

A quick way to find it's location, is to create a new text file on the desktop. Right click the new icon and click properties. This will show you where the recovery app needs to search for the deleted file IF IT HAS NOT BEEN OVERWRITTEN.

 

Hi, you know its location, so I'd suggest booting to a command prompt and trying to delete it from there. Caution as the drive letter will change.

Or, if you prefer a more familiar environment, get Kyhi's bootable disk (DVD or maybe flash drive) from the top of the Software and Apps section here, boot from it and try deleting it that way.

Or, you could try using a program like FileAssassin.

 

I'll check into these, I would love if you elaborate on:
"Caution as the drive letter will change." I have used Command Prompt before a ton of times;
as for internally deleting it, in the manner you specified above; I want to be sure I'm
not harming my system. Because it's got all my Logbook's on it, that are needed to track my work
hours in the wheelhouse. Don't want to loose them :-(

Thanks for your advice @dalchina

 

Viewed from the command prompt outside Windows, your present C: may not be C:. For example, mine's usually G:

I'm not sure without trying it- there is a way to get the system drive listed. Possibly
wmic os get systemdrive

Otherwise just change drive letters and check using DIR

 

Update I tried using *Assassin* this morning and
this is the result.

Attachment 108374
I will have no choice but to try the hard remove
method as the softer one don't work. See what I think
took place is the file is actually gone but the icon for it is
just not wanting to go away.

 

Hi, if there's not really a file there, see
https://www.mydigitallife.info/fix-b...ns-on-desktop/

I think there have been some threads on this in the forum too.

 

Try this also, I have this installed on my computer because it is a very useful program.

1) Download LockHunter
2) After installation, right click on the file -> press What is locking this file?
3) (Maybe there's some process that's not letting go of it) If possible, press the Unlock It! button, then press the Delete It! button.

 

I'll try this evening.

 

Thanks for you help everyone!!
I'm normally very good at computers,
so it's new asking for help.
Anyway... nothing worked other then the COMMAND PROMPT.
Ya just have to do it.. there is really no other way.. I mean in seconds this
file was gone like that! Thanks again for taking the time to assist me.